What's Hot: Very rugged. Provides rain/splash/mud protection. Modular design lets you attach a variety of accessories to the back panel. Multiple color choices.

What's Not: It's bulky, and not everybody needs this level of protection.

Reviewed by Tom Slayton

The Kraken AMS for iPad is a rugged case that allows you to attach accessories via the mounting bracket on the back.

Size and Fit

The Kraken for iPad is a bulky case. What you get for that bulkiness, however, is a great deal of protection. Because a tablet has significantly more mass than a phone, it is going to hit the ground more forcefully when dropped, and cases must be designed with this in mind. This inevitably results in rugged iPad cases feeling much bulkier than their iPhone brethren. If you work primarily indoors, and don't transport your iPad out in the open, then the Kraken is going to be too much case for you. If you need it, though, you're going to find the extra size and weight to be an acceptable tradeoff for the extra protection.

Features and Quality

After spending a week with the Kraken (in spite of the fact that the review product was pink), I can tell you that this thing is durable. What's more, it feels great in your hand. The silicone inner layer is exposed at the corners to help it bounce (allegedly) and in the middle to give you something to grab onto when you're carrying it. It's thick and substantial, and most importantly inside the ABS shell. Because silicone stretches with use, you don't want it on the outside, where it can get baggy and loose. This layer also provides the stated moisture and dust protection by way of various plugs and button covers. It won't survive a submersion, but if the screen protector is intact, you could probably use your iPad in a wet or splashy environment. Lastly, The Kraken boasts a modular mounting system on the back plate that allows you to attach various and sundry attachments. I scoured their website and at the time of this writing, could only find attachments for the iPhone version (although a stand and holder are listed in the main product description). I'm confident, however, that accessories are on the way, so check back early and often.

Style

While the Kraken's ABS outer-shell comes only in black, the inner silicone layer is available in black, blue, red, pink, green, purple, and orange. This little splash of color on the edges really makes your iPad pop, and accentuates the multiple layers that are built into this thing.

Summary

The Kraken for iPad is an excellent rugged case for your iPad. It provides great drop protection, as well as protection from splash/dust/mud, and looks good doing it. I would like to see a hard plastic screen cover made available, but the built-in screen protector is an acceptable alternative. If you need this level of protection, the Kraken is a solid choice.